It was reported earlier this year that Sam Raimi was in talks to direct the upcoming sequel to the 2016 Marvel film, Doctor Strange. This came after director Scott Derrickson left the project due to creative differences. Raimi has old ties to Marvel, directing all three films from the original Spider-Man trilogy. So, we’re excited to hear that Sam Raimi has officially signed on to direct the sequel film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness!
What We Know About Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange Sequel
2019’s San Diego Comic-Con gave us the news that the new writers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness want the film to be more “horror-centric“. This wasn’t too much of a surprise. Scott Derrikson has some pretty extensive experience in producing horror films. Derrikson will remain attached to the project as an executive producer, so we can see the horror themes sticking to the project.
Stars of the first film, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are all expected to return. Rachel McAdams has been confirmed as not returning. However, Doctor Strange will be joined by Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). The upcoming Disney+ series WandaVision, as well as Loki, will reportedly tie into the plot of the film.
Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr
Sam Raimi Has Always Had A Soft Spot For Strange, Referencing Him In Spider-Man 2
The villain from Spider-Man 2, Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) can’t be expected to just go by his real name. After all, we know that made-up names are crucial in the world of superheroes and villains! While trying to come up with Octavius’ eventual evil name of Dr. Octopus, J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) and Ted Hoffman (Ted Raimi) bounce a few ideas around. Hoffman suggests the name “Dr. Strange”, keeping with the theme of Doctor. Jameson reminds him that it’s already taken, likely referencing the actual Doctor Strange that we now know and love.
Sam Raimi likely never had plans to eventually go on to direct a film about that very hero. However, he has said that Doctor Strange was always one of his favorite characters as a kid. Could the brief reference in Spider-Man 2 been fate sneaking its way in?
The Anticipation Is Building For Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to release on November 5th, 2021. Many films have had release dates pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so our fingers are crossed that this release date sticks!
What do you hope to see in the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel that is currently being directed by Sam Raimi?
Featured image via Marvel Studios.